COLLEGE  OF  PHYSICIANS  * 

AND   SURGEONS 


7 


Reference  Library 

Given  by 


«-«— 


^7^^^^LJK^€*  -/^^LM    - 


Approaching  Maternity 


JOHN  ROSS  PANCOAST,  M.D. 


Ucntb  JEbition 


PUBLISHED     BY 

the;  PANCOAST  COMPANY 

638  BOURSE 

PHILADELP&IA,  PA. 

1897 


Copyright  1897 

BY 

John  Ross  Pancoast,  M.D. 


PRESS   OF 

HATHAWAY  &  BROTHERS 

PHILADELPHIA 


DEDICATED  TO  THE 

MOTHERS 

OF  OUR  LAND 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2010  witin  funding  from 

Open  Knowledge  Commons 


http://www.archive.org/details/approaGhingmaterOOpanc 


PREFACE 


I  have  endeavored  in  this  work,  to  avoid  the  use  of 
any  technical  terms  that  would  only  confuse  my  readers, 
and  it  has  been  my  effort  to  couch  my  ideas  in  language 
that  could  readily  be  understood  by  any  woman  of 
ordinary  intelligence. 

TJie  indications  of  pregjiancy  are  as  follows  : 


Cessation  of  the  menses. 

Enlargement  of  the  breasts. 

Morning  nausea. 

Sinking  and  then  protruding  of  navel. 

Quickening ;  or  moving  of  child  in  the  womb. 


It  is  a  difficult  matter  to  calculate  accurately,  the 
exact  day  on  which  a  pregnant  woman  will  be  confined. 
It  is  usual  to  figure  that  two  hundred  and  eighty  days 
from  the  cessation  of  the  last  menstruation,  the  e\'ent 
will  take  place,  but  many  a  husband  who  has  been 
hurriedly  called  and  sent  for  the  physician  and  nurse, 
two  or  three  weeks  before  the  birth  was  due,  will  testify 
to  the  inaccuracy  of  this  uncertain  rule. 


However,  this  is  as  close  a  calculation  as  we  can 
make  as  yet. 

The  development  of  the  X-rays  may  put  us  upon  a 
more  certain  basis  for  calculation. 

It  would  be  well  for  every  prospective  mother  to 
prepare  for  the  birth  of  her  child  in  two  hundred  and 
fifty-  days.  Have  your  nurse  engaged  well  ahead.  Let 
her  come  to  your  house  occasionally  and  get  used  to  the 
rooms  she  is  to  use.  This  will  save  many  wasted  minutes 
when  the  birth  occurs. 

Starting  with  the  assumption  that  beyond  question, 
pregnancy  exists,  I  have  endeavored  to  give  practical 
and  helpful  hints  and  advice,  upon  the  most  important 
points  to  be  obser\^ed. 

The  moment  a  woman  is  convinced  that  she  is  to 
become  a  mother,  she  should  at  once  consult  a  reliable 
physician  and  place  herself  as  much  as  possible  in  his 
hands.  His  experience,  counsel,  and  advice  will  benefit 
and  aid  her,  beyond  words,  in  her  coming  ordeal. 

John  Ross  Pancoast,  M.D. 


CHAPTER  I. 

CLOTHING. 

Perhaps  the  most  important  rule  to  be  observed  by  the  pros- 
pective mother  is  to  avoid  any  and  all  garments  that  would  pro- 
duce any  pressure  or  constriction  upon  the  breasts  or  waist. 

The  expansion  of  the  uterus,  as  the  foetus,  or  unborn  child, 
gradually  increases  in  size,  makes  demands  upon  the  already  well- 
filled  space  of  the  woman's  body,  and  anything  that  would  hamper 
or  restrict  this  expansion  is  likely  to  prove  injurious,  not  only  to 
the  mother  but  also  to  the  child. 


CORSETS. 

Wear  corsets  as  seldom  as  possible.  For  a  short  time  after 
conception  takes  place,  the  young  wife  cannot  bring  herself  to  give 
up  all  social  enjoyments  in  preparation  for  her  holy  motherhood, 
and  during  the  early  part  of  her  pregnancy  she  may  wear  corsets 
if  they  are  worn  loosely  Be  sure,  however,  from  the  first,  that 
there  is  ample  room  for  the  breasts  and  body  around  the  waist. 

After  the.  third  month  of  pregnancy  they  should  not  be  worn  at 
all,  in  my  opinion.     By  that  time  social  enjoyments  will  have  begun 

5 


to  assume  a  smaller  importance  and  appearances  will  not  have  to 
be  observed  so  closely. 

A  most  excellent  substitute  for  the  corset  can  be  found  in  a  waist 
made  of  a  heavy  drilling,  to  be  laced  back  and  front,  that  its  size 
may  be  increased  as  nature  demands  it.  This  waist,  properly  made, 
will  give  all  the  support  needed  to  the  breasts  and  body  without 
hampering  in  the  least  freedom  of  growth  and  motion. 


GARTERS. 

Have  your  hose  supporters  made  to  suspend  from  the  before- 
mentioned  waist  to  the  stocking,  and  do  not  wear  the  ordinar}^  band 
garters  around  the  leg.  They  serve  to  impede,  in  a  small  measure, 
the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and  at  this  period  a  free  circulation  is 
desirable  and  important.  There  is  some  restriction  caused  by  the 
expansion  of  the  uterus  among  the  other  organs,  and  an^-thing 
tending  to  increase  this  should  be  avoided,  or  varicose  veins  might 
be  the  result. 


SKIRTS. 

It  is  essential  that  as  light  skirts  as  can  be  worn,  without  danger 
of  cold,  should  be  a  part  of  the  outfit  of  the  prospective  m.other. 
Heavy  skirts  are  at  any  time  a  menace  to  a  woman's  health,  but  at 
this  time  any  continued  dragging  or  pressure  upon  the  waist  and 
hips  assumes  an  even  more  serious  aspect.  If  the  weather  be  cold, 
a  skirt  of  light  flannel,  which  will  give  warmth  without  weight,  will 
be  found  to  be  best  for  house  wear. 


For  wear  out  doors,  the  best  thing  I  have  found  was  a  flannel 
underskirt  reaching  to  the  shoe-tops,  with  a  Hght-weight,  dark  over- 
skirt.     Here,  again,  warmth  was  secured  without  weight. 

In  niikl  weather  it  is  a  very  easy  matter  to  do  away  with  all 
weight,  and  then  it  is  only  necessary  to  have  the  flannel  skirt  in 
case  of  a  sudden  change  to  a  lower  temperature. 

Whenever  possible,  all  skirts  should  be  suspended  from  the 
shoulders.  This  may  seem  a  trifle  arbitrary  and  difficult  of  accom- 
plishment in  some  cases,  but  I  always  plead  for  it  with  my  patients, 
and  never  has  it  been  regretted  when  tried. 

A  young  wife,  who  had  been  married  less  than  three  months, 
sent  for  me  on  one  occasion  to  have  me  examine  her  to  see  if  she 
were  really  pregnant.  Two  menstrual  periods  had  passed  ;  her 
morning  sickness  had  commenced,  and  my  examination  developed 
the  fact  that  she  was  undoubtedly  to  become  a  mother.  She  was 
slender  and  undeveloped,  and  I  readily  foresaw  a  very  painful  de- 
livery unless  immediate  steps  were  taken  to  prepare  her  for  the 
ordeal.  She  willingly  assented  to  follow  the  course  of  baths, 
exercise,  food,  rest  and  mental  preparation  I  prescribed,  but 
demurred  at  the  radical  changes  in  her  wearing  apparel. 

The  result  was  that  in  two  months  she  was  in  an  alarming  con- 
dition. The  case  was  stated  plainly  to  her  husband,  who  succeeded 
in  convincing  her  that  the  fault  lay  at  her  own  door.  He  purchased 
for  her  a  suit  of  bloomers  !  The  trousers  were  suspended  from 
straps  running  over  her  shoulders,  and  no  corsets  were  worn  under 
the  blouse  waist.  They  moved  temporarily  to  a  healthy  mountainous 
country,  where  the  prospective  mother,  attired  in  her  hideous  cos- 
tume, followed  to  the  letter  her  prescribed  programme,  including 
a  long  walk  every  day,  when  the  weather  permitted. 


A  few  days  before  the  expected  time  she  gave  birth,  with  but 
three  hours'  labor,  to  a  strong,  heakhy  child.  She  would  never 
have  lived  through  the  event  had  she  withstood  the  entreaties  of 
her  husband  and  her  phvsician. 


SHOES. 

For  out-door  wear  a  broad-toed  extension  sole  boot  should  be 
worn,  that  the  exercise  so  necessary  at  this  time  may  be  pleasant 
and  unhampered. 

For  house  wear  roomy  shoes  with  low  heels  and  broad  toes  are 
best,  as  by  their  use  an  even  tread  is  secured. 


NIGHT  >A^EAR. 

For  cold  weather,  it  is  essential  that  the  night-dress  be  of  a  warm, 
light  material,  that  the  body  be  protected  from  draughts,  and  even 
the  small  chill  that  sometimes  is  felt  when  first  getting  into  bed  and 
between  cold  sheets.  A  soft  outing  flannel  is  the  best  material  for 
this  purpose,  as  it  answers  all  requirements  and  can  be  readily 
washed. 

FOR    OUT-DOOR  WEAR. 

Walking  during  the  period  just  before  maternity  being  of  such 
great  moment,  the  question  of  apparel  for  outside  wear  is  one  that 
must  be  considered  from  the  two  points  of  appearance  and  health- 
fulness. 


A  combination  of  garments  that  will  not  be  unsightly  and  will 
yet  be  constructed  upon  principles  not  violating  the  rules  regarding 
pressure  and  constriction  must  be  sought  for  and  obtained. 

Remembering  the  fundamental  principles  of  keeping  all  pressure 
from  the  waist  and  breasts,  and  hanging  no  garments  of  weight 
directly  from  the  waist,  will  serve  to  suggest  to  all  women  an  out- 
door costume  that  will  render  a  reasonable  walk  in  good  weather 
an  invigorator  of  no  mean  power. 

Dress  in  dark  colors  ;  this  will  render  less  conspicuous  the  in- 
crease in  size  and  irregularity  of  outline. 

In  conclusion,  think  more  of  tne  heaith  and  less  of  appearances. 


CHAPTER   11. 


FOOD. 

There  are  two  important  considerations  to  be  taken  into  account 
when  we  come  to  the  question,  "What  shall  the  prospective  mother 
eat?" 

These  are  : 

First. — What  food  will  best  nourish  herself  and  her  unborn 
child  ? 

Second. — What  food  will  put  her  body  in  best  condition  to  under- 
go child-bearing  with  least  anguish  and  risk  to  her  health? 

All  of  the  numerous  plans  devised  by  heedless  people  to  retard 
the  bony  development  of  the  unborn  child,  and  thus  render  delivery 
easier  and  less  painful,  are  to  be  condemned  and  forbidden. 

Such  a  course  might  render  the  life  of  a  helpless,  unborn  child 
one  of  perpetual  crippledom,  and  to  save  a  mother  a  few  hours' 
pain  a  child  might  be  doomed  to  years  of  untold  agony  of  body 
and  spirit. 

A  patient  of  mine,  at  the  time  of  her  first  confinement,  lived 
entirely  upon  apples,  oranges,  grapes,  potatoes,  corn  starch  and 
oatmeal.     She  lost  strength,  and  when  I  was  called  in  I  ordered 


meat  once  a  day  and  beef  tea  three  times  a  day,  with  a  special 
tonic  to  build  up  tissue. 

When  her  child  was  born  she  was  in  labor  for  eighteen  hours, 
suffering-  frightfully  throughout  this  time  ;  and  the  child  !  It  never 
moved.  It  looked  like  nothing  so  much  as  a  large  mass  of  discol- 
ored dough. 

I  never  allowed  that  poor  young  wife  to  see  it.  In  her  weak- 
ened condition  it  would  have  killed  her. 

Four  weeks  later  she  confided  to  me  that  she  had  disobeyed  my 
instructions ;  had  never  taken  any  meat  or  tonic,  and  but  little  of 
the  beef  tea— and  all  to  escape  a  few  hours  of  pain,  which  was 
unquestionably  increased  by  her  weakened  condition. 

The  proper  system  to  follow  is  one  that  will  render  most  healthy 
the  entire  system,  keep  the  digestive  apparatus  clear  and  not  retard 
the  natural  growth  of  the  foetus. 

Avoid  false  stimulants.  Too  much  meat  will  over-stimulate  a 
woman  at  this  time. 

Avoid  fat  and  grease.  They  serve  only  to  clog  the  digestion 
and  overheat  the  blood. 


EGGS. 

There  is  one  element  lacking  in  eggs  that  is  much  needed  by  the 
prospective  mother.  That  is  starch.  If  some  other  food  rich  in 
starch,  like  rice,  for  instance,  be  used  in  conjunction  with  eggs,  a 
very  desirable  and  strengthening  dish  is  the  result. 

Eggs  can  be  used  in  any  of  the  many  ways  they  can  be  cooked, 
excepting  fried.     They  must  be  avoided. 


MEATS. 

Beef  is  by  far  the  best  meat  for  the  prospective  mother.  It  must 
be  tender  and  lean  and  cooked  carefully.  Next  to  beef,  in  value, 
is  poultry.  It  should  be  fresh  and  tender,  and  prepared  without 
fat  or  grease. 

Meat  once  a  day  will  benefit  and  strengthen.  Unless  stimulation 
is  needed,  I  would  advise  against  the  more  frequent  indulgence  after 
the  third  month  of  pregnancy. 


VEGETABLES. 

At  this  period  in  a  woman's  life  she  must  carefully  refrain  from 
eating  any  vegetables  that  cause  indigestion. 

Some  women  cannot  eat  cabbage,  for  instance.  Others  find  that 
onions  cause  gastric  disturbance. 

The  vegetables  that  are  most  palatable  and  most  easily  digested 
should  be  indulged  in  freely. 

If  tomatoes,  potatoes,  corn,  peas  and  beans  have  never  caused 
indigestion,  I  should  advise  their  constant  use.  They  are  whole- 
some, strengthening  and  easilv  assimilated. 


SWEETS, 

The  expectant  mother  may  crave  certain  puddings  or  flavors 
of  a  sweet  nature. 


As  pies  and  rich  pastry  of  any  sort  are  really  injurious,  plainly 
made  dishes  of  rice,  sago,  tapioca  or  bread  are  most  excellent  food; 
and  flavored  with  fruit  flavors,  and  varied  with  eggs,  they  are  very 
palatable  and  nourishing. 


DRINKS. 

For  a  hot  drink,  my  first  choice  is  cocoa,  well  prepared  and  not 
too  rich. 

For  a  cooling  drink,  lemonade  made  from  fresh  lemons  and  a 
pure  mineral  water,  sweetened  slightly  and  well  shaken  with  the 
white  of  an  egg,  cannot  be  equaled. 

Drink  as  little  tea  and  coffee  as  possible.  Sometimes,  if  slightly 
chilled,  a  cup  of  hot  tea  is  beneficial,  but  regular  indulgence  can 
do  some  harm  that  may  as  well  be  avoided. 

Milk  must  not  be  taken  too  freely.  It  does  not  digest  readily 
with  some  people,  and  prepared  milk  is  preferable  in  such  a  case. 


VARIETY. 

It  might  be  well  to  vary,  as  much  as  possible,  the  w^ays  of  cook- 
ing the  articles  of  food  to  be  eaten  by  the  expectant  mother. 

The  number  is  reduced  so  much  from  the  large  choice  allowed 
her  under  ordinary  conditions  that,  unless  the  style  and  flavoring 
are  varied,  the  diet  will  become  tiresome,  and  inability  to  eat 
enough  food  will  result. 


Constipation  usually  accompanies  pregnancy,  but  if  a  course  of 
proper  food  be  followed,  and  results  be  carefully  watched,  this  can 
be  greatly  relieved. 

If  there  is  a  particular  craving  for  some  explicit  food,  if  that 
food  be  wholesome  and  digestible,  it  is  best  to  gratify  the  desire, 
as  in  most  instances  nature  is  demanding  some  of  the  elements 
contained  in  the  coveted  article. 

If  strong  cravings  for  some  unusual  food  product  are  felt,  the 
physician  should  be  consulted,  and  some  simple  prescription  can 
be  had  that  will  contain  in  solution  the  desired  element. 

Diet  is  most  important,  for  the  nourishment  of  the  unborn  child 
and  for  the  proper  preparation  and  sustenance  of  the  mother. 

SICK   STOMACH. 

When  there  exists  a  great  inability  to  retain  the  food  eaten  upon 
the  stomach,  it  will  be  found  to  be  of  great  assistance  if  small 
quantities  of  liquid  nourishment  are  taken  at  frequent  intervals. 

Perhaps  at  first  even  this  will  be  rejected,  but  if  persisted  in 
success  will  be  attained,  and  the  digestive  apparatus  can  be  induced 
to  return  to  a  normal  state. 

Beef  tea,  chicken  broth  or  prepared  milk  are  among  the  best 
forms  of  liquid  nourishment  for  use  at  this  time. 


CHAPTER   III. 


EXERCISE, 


It  is  a  difficult  matter  to  prescribe  any  one  set  form  of  exercise 
that  will  be  beneficial  to  the  entire  race  of  women.  They  are 
constituted  so  differently;  they  have  led  such  different  lives,  and 
have  been  subjected  to  such  different  trials  and  physical  sicknesses, 
as  to  make  it  impossible  to  lay  down  a  form  of  exercise  that  would 
be  beneficial  to  each  and  all  of  them. 

This  is  one  point,  particularly,  about  which  the  family  physician 
should  be  consulted.  He  will  know  the  peculiarities  of  the  case, 
and  will  understand  the  weaknesses  that  must  be  treated  with 
delicacy.  He  will  know  how  much  exercise  and  what  kind  is  best 
adapted  to  the  patient. 

There  are  a  number  of  precautions  which  must  be  carefully 
noted  in  this  connection;  perhaps  the  most  important  of  which  is, 
that  during  the  time  that  menstruation  would  have  taken  place  had 
the  prospective  mother  not  been  pregnant,  no  exercise  of  any  kind 
must  be  indulged  in. 

This  is  a  matter  of  great  importance.  Neglect  of  this  rule  has, 
in  a  number  of  instances,  caused  the  death  of  both  mother  and 


child ;  and  I  cannot  lay  too  great  stress  upon  the  necessity  of  great 
quiet  and  extra  rest  during  this  time. 

Exercise  is  one  of  the  easiest  and  surest  means  of  lessening  the 
pain  and  weariness  of  the  coming  labor,  and  by  preparing  the 
muscles  of  the  body  that  are  to  be  called  upon  for  a  supreme  effort, 
the  pain  and  anguish  necessarily  attendant  upon  this  epoch  are 
greatly  reduced. 

A  number  of  muscles  that  in  the  ordinary'  life  of  a  woman  are 
at  rest  entirely  are  called  upon  at  this  time  to  undergo  a  great  strain, 
and  are  used  in  a  way  entirely  different  from  anything  that  they 
have  been  accustomed  to. 

The  importance  of  getting  these  muscles  into  proper  shape  can- 
not be  over-estimated. 

The  exercise  must  be  begun  early  in  the  period  of  gestation, 
and  it  must  be  taken  systematically  and  lightly  at  first  and  increased 
as  it  becomes  easier  of  accomplishment.  The  moment  there  is 
any  fatigue  felt  rest  must  be  taken  at  once,  and  do  not  begin  any 
further  exercise  until  there  is  a  slight  desire  for  it. 


WALKING. 

Perhaps  in  the  list  of  available  exercise  there  is  no  one  that, 
under  limited  restrictions,  can  be  made  more  valuable  than  walking. 

There  are  a  few  rules  that  must  be  observed  in  connection  with 
it  to  derive  therefrom  the  greatest  benefit;  but  these  are  of  a  minor 
nature. 

Some  women  who  have  suffered  from  some  disease  of  the  uterus 
are  unable  to  walk  without  great  discomfort.     In  such  a  case,  the 

i6 


physician's  advice  must  be  had,  and  if,  in  his  opinion,  walking 
would  be  injurious,  some  other  form  of  exercise  must  be  adopted. 

It  is  essential  in  walking  at  this  time  that  some  objective  point 
should  be  aimed  for.  Aimless  wandering  around  would  only  serve 
to  annoy  and  bore  a  prospective  mother,  whereas  a  brisk  walk, 
taken  with  the  idea  of  reaching  some  place  or  point,  would  brighten 
her  mind  and  invigorate  her  body. 

The  body  should  be  so  carried  that  the  lungs  will  be  given  a 
full  chance  to  expand.  The  shoulders  should  be  held  well  back, 
and  the  steps  should  be  taken  in  a  vigorous  manner  and  with  great 
firmness,  care  being  taken  not  to  jar  the  system  by  too  heavy  walk- 
ing upon  the  heels. 


BREATHING. 

This  subject  is  one  which  calls  but  for  brief  comment;  but  it  is 
one  of  great  importance. 

A  woman  in  this  condition  has  need  of  more  oxygen  than  under 
ordinary  circumstances,  for  the  reason  that  the  blood  of  her  unborn 
child  is  to  be  purified  as  well  as  her  own,  and  her  entire  lung  power 
must  be  exercised  to  furnish  the  requisite  amount  to  successfully 
supply  the  needs  of  both. 

This  is  one  of  the  reasons  why  the  wearing  of  corsets  is  at  this 
time  a  drawback.  A  woman  cannot  breathe  freely,  and  to  as  great 
an  extent,  hampered  by  this  garment,  as  if  her  body  was  given  full 
play,  free  from  confines. 

Five  or  ten  minutes  spent  every  morning  and  afternoon  in  the 
drawing  in  of  deep  breaths  through  the  nose  will  be  time  well 

17 


spent.  Ill  this  way,  that  part  of  the  lungs  that  had  not  been  called 
into  play  under  former  conditions  will  be  used  and  developed,  and 
an  immediate  effect  will  be  noticeable. 


CLIMBING  STAIRS. 

A  number  of  physicians  of  my  acquaintance,  have  in  several 
instances,  recommended  to  women  whom  they  considered  in  good 
physical  condition,  the  exercise  to  be  obtained  from  walking  up 
and  down  stairs,  as  it  is  claim.ed  this  will  strengthen  the  muscles  at 
the  sides  of  the  waist.  While  it  is  a  matter  of  great  importance 
that  these  muscles  should  be  strengthened,  and  while  the  develop- 
ment of  these  muscles  is  something  that  will  greatly  add  to  the 
ease  of  the  coming  trial,  I  have  always  felt  that  it  was  a  subject 
that  required  some  consideration  before  being  indiscriminately 
prescribed  to  many  women. 

There  is  great  danger  of  its  proving  too  great  a  tax  and  strain, 
unless  the  woman  be  of  a  very  strong  ph^'sical  development.  I 
would  advise  that  before  this  exercise  be  taken  regularly,  the  fam- 
ily physician  be  consulted  and  fully  informed  as  to  the  after  effects. 


GENERAL   EXERCISE. 

There  are  a  number  of  movements  of  the  legs,  arms  and  body 
which  can  be  used  to  great  advantage  in  the  development  of  the 
muscles,  which  are  so  soon  to  be  called  upon.  Any  movement  that 
calls  into  play  the  abdominal  muscles  and  those  at  the  sides  of  the 
waist,  will  be  beneficial. 

i8 


Avoid  standing  as  much  as  possible.  This  is  very  tiresome  and 
produces  a  mental  state,  the  effect  of  which  is  anything  but  helpful. 

When  sitting  down,  if  possible,  stretch  the  body  out  so  that 
perfect  relaxation  is  obtained.  In  this  way  a  great  deal  of  rest  can 
be  obtained. 

If  at  first  the  result  of  the  new  forms  of  exercise  is  found  to  be 
one  of  weariness,  it  has  been  my  experience  that  a  cessation  of  all 
exercise  for  a  day  or  two  will  be  very  helpful.  If  it  be  possible,  a 
drive  at  this  time  in  the  open  air,  bringing  a  change  of  scene  with- 
out any  fatigue,  will  result  in  much  good,  and  the  exercise  will  be 
taken  up  with  more  zest  and  interest. 

MASSAGE. 

If  it  is  possible  to  obtain,  once  a  week,  good  massage  treatment, 
unless  prohibited  by  a  physician,  this  will  be  found  very  beneficial 
to  almost  every  patient. 

It  is  a  most  agreeable  treatment,  and  the  feeling  of  invigoration 
produced  by  it  will  almost  invariably  result  in  great  good.  The 
body  is  freshened  ;  the  muscles  are  softened  without  becoming 
flabby,  and  unless  the  expectant  mother  experiences  a  feeling  of 
enervation,  it  will  have  a  good  effect. 

In  conclusion,  I  cannot  impress  too  deeply  the  importance  of 
exercise  at  this  time. 

It  must  be  pursued  systematically,  and  at  the  time  of  the  birth 
of  the  child  the  effects  will  make  themselves  shown  in  a  manner 
that  will  amply  repay  all  the  time  and  trouble  taken. 


19 


CHAPTER   IV. 


REST. 

There  are  many  times  during  the  period  of  gestation  when  a 
woman  feels  a  sense  of  languor  and  weariness. 

This  is  particularly  apt  to  be  the  case  at  the  time  when,  if  she 
had  not  been  pregnant,  menstruation  would  have  taken  place. 

I  have  dwelt  upon  the  necessity  for  absolute  rest  at  this  time,  and 
can  only  say  in  addition,  that  much  pain  and  sickness  or  suffering 
can  be  prevented  if,  at  the  slightest  signal  of  weariness,  rest  is 
taken. 

Dress  comfortably  and  lie  down  until  all  sensation  of  fatigue  is 
gone. 

Be  careful  that  you  are  not  in  a  draught  and  that  the  feet  are 
sufficiently  covered  to  give  that  sense  of  warmth  that  is  always  so 
delicious. 

If  there  is  the  smallest  feeling  of  coldness  in  the  feet,  retain  the 
stockings,  remove  the  shoes,  and  place  a  hot-water  bag  under  the 
feet. 

A  tendency  to  fidgeting  or  nervousness  can  be  overcome  by 
reading  something  mildly  interesting  that  will  take  the  mind  away 
from  thoughts  of  physical  discomfort. 


It  is  better,  for  the  obtaining  of  complete  rest,  that  the  reading 
should  be  dispensed  with  as  soon  as  quietude  of  mind  and  body  is 
reached,  that  the  eyes  and  brain  may  also  share  in  the  relaxation. 

Exclude  from  the  room  in  which  rest  is  taken  all  light,  that  sleep 
may  be  induced. 

The  best  time  to  rest  is  immediately  after  fifteen  or  twenty  min- 
utes of  proper  exercise,  as  at  that  time  the  muscles  and  bodily  func- 
tions appreciate  particularly  a  cessation  of  labor,  and  the  work  of 
building  up  and  recuperating  goes  on  to  great  advantage. 

If  there  is  a  tendency  toward  sleeplessness  at  night,  the  midday 
nap  should  be  carefully  cultivated,  as  very  often  lack  of  rest  will 
conduce  toward  inability  to  sleep  at  night. 

If,  during  the  day,  five  or  ten  minutes  can  be  secured,  great 
benefit  can  be  derived  by  complete  relaxation  of  the  body  and 
mind. 

Throw  yourself  down  on  the  bed  and  rest  every  faculty  and 
muscle,  and  your  sleep  that  night  will  be  fresher  and  sweeter  for  it. 


SLEEP. 

A  multi-millionaire  once  said  to  me  that  he  was  happier  when 
he  was  poor  than  since  the  time  he  had  acquired  a  great  fortune, 
as  his  nights  in  the  former  years  had  been  spent  in  profound  slum- 
ber, whereas  they  were  spent  later  in  '' planning y 

"Planning  for  what?"  I  asked  him.  "You  have  everything 
money  will  buy. ' ' 

"Planning  for  those  things  money  will  not  buy,"  he  answered, 
with  a  smile. 


Perfect  sleep  can  be  had  only  when  mind  and  body  are  at  ease. 
A  restless  mind  will  produce  troubled  dreams.  A  suffering  body 
will  procure  broken  slumber. 

Cultivate  ease  of  mind  and  ease  of  body,  and  your  repose  will 
be  healthful  and  profound. 

If,  when  you  retire  at  night,  there  is  a  tendency  toward  sleep- 
lessness, something  is  wrong. 

Study  carefully  3-our  feelings.  Discover  whether  you  are  too 
warm  or  too  cold.  Try  another  position.  A^ery  often  the  increase 
in  size  of  the  abdomen  will  render  necessary  some  support  for  the 
additional  weight.     A  pillow  or  bandage  will  answer. 

If  the  evening  can  be  spent  comfortably  and  quietly  without 
excitement,  and  the  afternoon  nap  of  at  least  one  hour  has  been 
had,  the  best  time  to  retire  for  the  night  is  ten  o'clock. 

Sleep  alone,  when  possible,  but  have  within  call  your  husband 
or  some  one  whose  presence  is  grateful  to  you,  in  case  of  need. 

VENTILATION. 

The  healthiest  woman  in  the  world  could  be  reduced  to  a  piti- 
able state  of  ill  health  if  she  were  obliged  to  sleep  in  a  room 
improperly  ventilated. 

When  we  think  that  the  air  we  breathe  is  inhaled  for  the  sole 
purpose  of  purifying  the  blood,  we  can  appreciate  how  important 
and  vital  it  is  that  this  air  should  be  fresh  and  pure. 

Uncontaminated  air  contains  that  necessary  element,  oxygen, 
without  which  we  cannot  live,  and  the  expectant  mother  must 
inhale  sufficient  to  purify,  not  only  her  own  blood,  but  that  of  her 
unborn  child  also. 


Therefore,  the  sleeping  room  must  be  ventilated  in  such  a  way 
as  to  insure  a  never-ceasing  flow  of  pure  air  without  creating  a 
draught. 

There  are  many  ways  of  attaining  this  end,  all  of  which  are  so 
simple  that  they  need  not  be  mentioned  in  detail. 

Have  a  thermometer  in  the  bed-room,  and  endeavor  to  maintain 
a  temperature  that  will  never  go  below  fifty-five  degrees  Fahrenheit 
during  the  night ;  and  throughout  the  day  sixty-five  to  seventy 
degrees  should  be  the  figures  between  which  the  thermometer 
should  range. 

It  is  very  much  better  that  no  lights  should  be  kept  burning  in 
the  bed-room  during  the  night. 

Disagreeable  odors  are  produced,  and  oxygen  is  consumed  that 
should  be  saved  for  slumbering  humanity. 

If,  for  any  reason,  a  light  should  be  needed  suddenly  during  the 
night,  one  should  be  kept  burning  in  an  adjoining  hall  or  room 
where  it  could  be  reached  quickly  in  case  of  necessity. 

All  the  rest  that  can  be  obtained  will  serve  to  strengthen  the 
body  for  the  coming  trial,  and  the  importance  of  it  cannot  be  over- 
estimated. 


23 


CHAPTER  V. 


BATHING. 

The  best  housekeeper  I  have  ever  known  was  a  lady  of  ample 
means,  who  fretted  herself  so  much  over  the  condition  of  her  furni- 
ture and  wall-paper,  that  she  had  no  time  left  in  which  to  keep  her 
own  body  clean. 

Her  house  was  immaculate  from  cellar  to  roof.  It  was  swept 
from  top  to  bottom  every  day,  and  immediately  every  room  was 
dusted  and  put  to  rights. 

One  day  she  personally  superintended  the  cleaning  of  the  cellar 
in  her  house,  and  immediately  afterward  sat  down  to  luncheon  with 
a  huge  smut  of  dust  upon  the  side  of  her  nose! 

Furniture  and  other  household  belongings  will  stand  uncleanli- 
ness  much  better  than  the  human  body,  and  cleanliness  is  even  more 
essential  during  the  time  just  preceding  childbirth  than  under 
ordinary  conditions. 

The  skin  must  be  kept  clear  and  in  a  vigorous,  healthy  condition, 
that  all  the  impurities  that  exude  through  the  countless  pores  may 
have  unobstructed  exit. 


There  are  lots  of  men  who  do  not  wash  their  bodies  more  than 
once  a  month  who  would  discharge  their  coachmen  if  the  coats  of 
their  horses  did  not  shine  like  satin. 

I  particularly  favor  for  the  expectant  mother  a  tepid  sponge 
bath  for  the  morning,  and  just  before  retiring  for  tlie  night  a  warm 
sitz  bath. 

If  either  of  these  is  followed  by  any  ill  effects,  the  frequency  of 
them  must  be  moderated. 

Do  not  take  the  sitz  bath  every  night  if  after  you  have  gone  to 
bed  there  is  a  sense  of  wakefulness  or  fatigue. 

It  should  not  be  too  warm  at  any  time,  as  very  heated  water  has 
a  tendency  to  affect  materially  the  unborn  child. 

I  have  known  of  many  instances  where  a  shocking  miscarriage 
has  been  caused  by  the  too  frequent  application  of  a  very  warm 
bath. 

A  feeling  of  buoyancy  and  exhilaration  should  follow  close  upon 
the  bath.  The  blood  should  seem  to  run  more  freely,  and  a  warm 
glow  should  be  felt  over  all  the  body. 

If  none  of  these  symptoms  are  present,  and  instead  there  is  a 
feeling  of  depression  and  languor,  something  is  radically  wrong, 
and  moderation  in  bathing  must  be  observed  temporarily. 

A  good  substitute  for  the  baths  before  mentioned  can  be  found 
in  a  hard,  brisk  rubbing  of  the  entire  body  with  a  flesh-brush  or 
coarse  Turkish  towel. 

This  rubbing  invigorates  the  skin,  opens  the  pores,  and  brings 
the  blood  to  the  surface,  thereby  benefitting  the  circulation  and 
cleansing  the  skin  of  many  impurities. 

While  bathing  the  entire  body  at  this  time,  by  getting  into  a 
bath-tub  filled  with  water,  might  not  result  in  serious  harm,  it  is 

25 


better  to  avoid  the  risk  of  cold  or  enervation  and  confine  the  bath- 
ing to  the  tepid  sponge  bath  in  the  morning  and  the  sitz  bath  at 
night. 

The  chances  of  taking  cold  can  be  materially  lessened  by 
sponging  the  body  with  water  that  is  as  cold  as  feels  comfortable 
to  the  skin. 

Immediately  after  this  sponging,  a  brisk,  hard  rubbing  with  a 
coarse  towel  should  be  indulged  in,  this  serving  to  restore  the  cir- 
culation and  warm  the  surface  of  the  body. 

A  cupful  of  sea  salt  dissolved  in  the  water  adds  to  the  stimu- 
lating power  and  is  beneficial  to  the  skin. 


FOOT  BATHS. 

A  cold  foot  bath  is  the  best  remedy  for  cold  feet  that  has  been 
discovered. 

Before  immersing  the  feet  in  the  tub  of  cold  water  they  should 
be  rubbed  briskly  with  a  coarse  towel  or  flesh  brush. 

Then  dip  one  foot  in  the  water,  keeping  it  there  for  about  ten 
seconds.  On  withdrawing  it  rub  it  vigorously  until  dry,  after  which 
wrap  it  up  in  the  towel  and  treat  the  other  foot  in  like  manner. 

Repeat  this  until  each  foot  has  been  dipped  and  rubbed  thor- 
oughly dry  at  least  three  times. 

Upon  getting  into  bed,  if  there  is  the  slightest  feeling  of  coldness 
in  the  feet,  a  pillow  laid  across  them  will  sen.-e  to  restore  them  to 
a  pleasing  warmth. 

A  brisk  rubbing  with  the  hands,  of  a  few  drops  of  alcohol  upon 
the  soles,  will  often  stimulate  the  circulation. 

26 


CAUTION. 

At  the  time  when  under  ordinary  conditions  menstruation  would 
ha\e  occurred  the  tepid  sponge  bath  alone  should  be  used. 

For  three  or  four  days  it  is  wise  to  dispense  with  the  sitz  bath, 
and  avoid  all  risks. 

The  sponge  bath  is  perfectly  cleansing,  and  offers  so  little  chance 
of  bringing  on  undesired  effects  that  it  can  be  continued  at  this  time 
without  fear. 

Perfect  cleanliness  will  result  in  greatly  aiding  to  bring  the  pros- 
pective mother  to  a  perfect  condition  for  the  coming  event. 

Every  day  after  the  sponge  bath  a  thorough  rubbing  of  the 
abdomen  with  olive  oil  will  serve  to  soften  the  skin  and  render 
more  pliable  the  muscles  that  must  relax  most  at  the  time  of 
delivery. 

This  treatment  should  also  be  given  in  moderation  to  the  breasts 
and  nipples,  care  being  taken  to  rub  very  gently. 


CHAPTER  VL 


STATE    OF    MIND. 

While  the  whole  operation  of  the  reproduction  of  mankind  is  a 
thing  of  great  mystery' and  incomprehensibility  to  the  human  mind, 
there  is  nothing  in  the  physical  part  of  it  so  deeply  wonderful  and 
hard  to  understand  as  the  relation  that  exists  between  the  mind  of 
the  prospective  mother  and  the  forming  disposition  and  character 
of  the  unborn  child. 

From  a  materialistic  point  of  view,  it  is  difficult  for  us  to  compre- 
hend how  impressions  made  upon  the  mentality  of  a  pregnant  woman 
can  be  conveyed  through  physical  channels  to  the  growing  fcetus 
she  is  carrying;  but  that  this  is  the  case  is  established  beyond  doubt. 

Women,  who  for  any  cause  allow  themselves,  at  this  period  of 
their  existence,  to  worry  or  become  nervous,  are  apt  to  see  reflected 
in  their  children  disagreeable  traits  of  disposition  and  temperament. 

It  is  very  important,  therefore,  that  a  great  deal  of  care  should 
be  exercised  and  trouble  taken  to  engage  the  mind  of  the  pros- 
pective mother  in  pursuits  of  a  pleasing  and  intellectual  character, 
that  the  child  may  have  a  good  disposition  and  a  desire  for  the 
cultivation  of  the  mind. 

Anything  of  an  unpleasant  or  irritating  nature  should  be  studi- 


ously  avoided,  and  self-control  and  ecjuable  calmness  of  mind  and 
body  sought  after. 

Revolting  sights  and  alarming  experiences  must  be  prevented 
to  as  great  an  extent  as  possible. 

One  of  my  patients,  who  was  badly  frightened  by  a  harmless 
mouse  in  the  fourth  month  of  her  pregnancy,  gave  birth  to  a  child 
which  bore  upon  the  left  cheek  the  vivid  burning  outline  of  one  of 
those  animals. 

PRECAUTIONS. 

It  is  unlikely  that  any  physician  of  established  practice  has  gone 
through  his  career  without  being  requested  a  number  of  times  to 
prescribe  something  to  relieve  a  woman  w^ho  has  missed  one  men- 
struation and  does  not  desire  a  child. 

Different  doctors  regard  this  request  differently.  Some  hold 
that  it  is  a  moral  wrong  to  prevent  the  birth  of  a  child;  others,  that 
in  the  first  two  months  there  is  no  specific  life,  and  if  a  woman  is 
in  good  physical  condition  she  can  bear  very  well  the  results  of 
mild  treatment  in  this  direction. 

I  have  always  refused  to  give  any  medicine  that  would  bring  on 
the  desired  flow,  doing  what  I  considered  my  duty  in  the  matter. 

But — and  here  lies  the  application  to  our  present  chapter — if 
relief  has  been  sought  and  not  obtained,  there  must  be  no  fretting 
or  worrying  over  the  prospect  of  an  addition  to  the  family  circle. 
It  can  do  no  good,  and  will  do  some  harm  beyond  question. 

It  would  be  as  rare  and  unusual  for  a  happy,  healthy  child  to  be 
born  of  a  mother  who  had  tried  in  every  way  to  "get  rid  of  it" 
and  failed,  as  would  be  the  birth  to  black  parents  of  white  off- 
spring ! 


If  matters  assume  the  shape  that  an  unwelcome  child  is  to  be 
born,  it  must  be  looked  at  philosophicall}'  and  taken  calmly,  with 
the  idea  always  uppermost  that,  if  it  is  inevitable,  the  child  shall 
be  one  to  be  proud  of  and  loved. 

When  a  child  is  desired,  how  different  everything  looks ! 

All  is  preparation  and  prospect  for  the  coming  stranger,  who  is 
to  be  a  ruler  in  the  blessed  household. 

Very  often  the  birth  of  a  child  is  prevented  that  the  events  of 
the  next  few  years  would  have  rendered  a  most  welcome  addition 
to  the  family. 

The  systematic  preparation  of  the  physical  life  of  a  woman  will 
do  so  much  toward  reducing  the  pain  of  labor  and  confinement 
that  a  woman  may  look  forward  to  her  delivery  as  a  great  boon  and 
blessing. 

As  a  rule,  labor  is  short  and  the  pain  is  never  unbearable  or 
torturing,  except  in  rare  instances  where  indiscretions  have  been 
committed  ;  and  the  physician  in  charge  can  and  does  do  much  to 
alleviate  the  suffering,  even  using  an  anaesthetic  when  necessary. 

A  great  many  young  wives  express  the  fear  that  they  ^^■ill  die  in 
labor,  but  statistics  prove  the  percentage  to  be  very  small. 

Having  carefully  prepared  body  and  mind  for  the  coming 
motherhood,  a  woman  should  approach  it  with  calmness  and 
unflinching  courage,  trusting  herself  to  the  hands  of  her  physi- 
cian and  nurse. 

THE    HUSBAND. 

A  man  can  never  do  enough  for  the  wife  who  is  shortly  to  bear 
him  a  child. 

30 


There  is  much  he  can  do  to  Hghten  and  brighten  this  time  of 
waiting  and  preparation. 

Little  attentions  and  courtesies  that  show  his  appreciation  of 
her  condition ;  small  inexpensive  presents  for  herself  or  the  coming 
child  ;  an  interest  in  every  symptom  that  bespeaks  the  approach  of 
the  event ;  comfort  when  depression  sets  in,  and  sympathy  at  all 
times.     These  all  mean  a  great  deal  to  the  prospective  mother. 

She  should  never  hear  bad  news  or  the  relation  of  worrisome 
events  from  her  husband's  lips ;  but  the  telling  of  interesting 
happenings  or  bright  occurrences  will  lighten  her  spirits  and  drive 
away  care. 

Until  a  woman  feels  that  her  appearance  is  too  unsightly,  light 
amusements  and  theatrical  performances  that  are  not  too  emotional 
will  be  found  beneficial.  Music  particularly  should  be  heard  on 
every  possible  occasion,  and  if  there  is  no  music  in  the  home,  an 
evening  could  not  be  spent  to  better  advantage  than  at  a  good 
concert  that  does  not  overtax  the  nerves  of  the  prospective 
mother. 

Last,  but  not  least : 

A  man  once  told  me  that  the  easiest  delivery  his  wife  had  ever 
had  took  place  two  days  sooner  than  expected  and  one  day  after 
he  had  had  a  connection  with  her ! 

Thank  Heaven,  there  are  not  many  such  brutes  as  this  !  What 
really  took  place  was  a  miscarriage  in  my  opinion,  superinduced  by 
coition. 

That  it  was  not  troublesome  was  a  piece  of  good  luck,  and  must 
have  been  the  result  of  the  woman's  excellent  condition. 

It  is  better  that  during  the  entire  pregnancy  sexual  intercourse 
should  be  abstained  from. 


During  coition  the  uterus  is  subjected  to  great  disturbance ; 
congestion  of  many  of  the  parts  follows,  and  the  effect  upon  the 
nerves  is  of  a  harmful  nature. 

The  entire  vital  energy  of  the  woman  is  needed  and  should  be 
saved  for  the  coming  event,  and  a  husband  should  practice  self- 
control  and  forego  selfish  indulgence  at  this  time. 

Strive  rather  to  elevate  and  develop  the  intellectual  side  of  the 
woman,  and  if  her  mind  is  kept  occupied  upon  helpful,  enter- 
taining subjects,  the  good  result  will  show  later  on. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


THE    BIRTH. 

If,  as  has  been  advised,  the  physician  and  nurse  have  been 
engaged  early  in  the  pregnancy,  as  the  time  of  birth  approaches, 
the  greater  part  of  the  preparation  can  be  made  without  much 
trouble  and  worriment. 

I  have  endeavored  to  offer  many  words  of  advice  that  would 
make  unnecessary  many  visits  from  the  doctor;  but  his  counsel 
should  be  sought  should  any  serious  complication  arise. 

As  the  time  of  confinement  draws  near,  the  breasts  and  nipples 
need  special  attention.  In  every  case  where  it  can  be  done,  the 
child  must  nurse  from  the  breast  rather  than  from  a  bottle,  and 
occasionally,  if  these  parts  have  been  neglected,  great  soreness  and 
pain  will  follow. 

A  little  olive  or  sweet  oil  rubbed  gently  upon  the  nipples  twice 
a  day,  after  sponging  with  tepid  water,  will  be  found  beneficial.  In 
the  month  just  preceding  the  expected  birth,  at  least  once  a  day, 
bathe  these  parts  with  a  weak  solution  of  alcohol  in  which  a  piece 
of  alum  the  size  of  a  filbert  has  been  dissolved. 

Keep  up  the  exercise  taken  as  long  as  it  can  be  accomplished 
without   inconvenience  ;  and  when  walking  becomes  a  matter  of 

33 


difficulty,  the  other  prescribed  forms  can  be  followed,  the  leg 
movements  in  bed  being  very  useful  at  this  time. 

Endeavor  to  secure  a  nurse  who  will  be  pleasing  to  you  and 
amenable  to  the  desires  of  your  doctor. 

Ignorance  or  ugliness  of  temper  on  her  part  might  add  woefully 
to  the  discomfort  of  the  patient ;  whereas,  on  the  other  hand, 
competence,  willingness,  and  a  sunny  disposition  will  brighten  and 
help  the  mother  and  child. 


LABOR. 

As  the  date,  that  under  ordinary  conditions  would  have  been 
the  tenth  menstrual  period,  approaches,  the  womb  containing  the 
child  will  sink  slightly  in  the  pelvis,  and  the  discharge  from  the 
vagina  will  contain  small  quantities  of  blood. 

Wlien  labor  first  begins,  the  pains  will  be  short  and  sharp,  much 
like  a  cramp,  with  quite  long  stretches  of  time  between  them. 

Everything  should  then  be  gotten  ready  and  the  doctor  advised. 

If  the  hand  be  placed  upon  the  abdomen  just  over  the  womb, 
the  contractions  and  relaxations  can  be  felt  during  these  pains. 

The  amniotic  sac,  in  which  the  unborn  child  has  up  to  this 
period  been  floating,  is  likely  to  break  at  this  time,  and  prepara- 
tions should  be  made  to  prevent  the  rush  of  liquid  from  saturating 
the  clothing. 

The  mouth  of  the  womb  is  opening,  the  sac  is  broken,  and  the 
child  will  shortly  descend  into  the  world. 

The  pains  will  now  increase  in  frequency,  and  there  is  a  small 
sense  of  fatigue  between  the  spasms. 

34 


The  nurse  will  now  be  able  to  render  great  assistance  in  aidini^ 
the  birth  by  cheering  counsel  and  helping  hands,  and  her  experi- 
ence will  enable  her  to  suggest  many  reliefs. 


THE    BIRTH. 

In  most  cases  the  child  will  be  born  without  the  actual  assistance 
of  the  doctor;  but  for  the  ease  of  mind  of  the  mother,  and  to  avoid 
unnecessary  risks,  it  is  preferable  that  he  should  be  on  hand  as 
soon  as  possible  after  the  labor  pains  commence.  Especially  is  this 
the  case  when  it  is  the  first  child. 

If  the  labor  should  be  short  and  the  birth  occur  before  the  doc- 
tor arrives,  the  nurse  must  see  that  the  cord  is  free  and  that  the 
child  is  warmly  covered  and  with  its  body  and  head  in  such  position 
that  it  can  breathe  freely. 

When  the  pulsing  in  the  cord  has  ceased,  and  the  child  has  cried 
vigorously,  if  the  nurse  is  capable,  she  may  sever  the  cord  after 
making  the  necessary  bindings  upon  it. 

This  is  a  doctor's  work,  and  he  should  be  on  hand  if  it  is 
possible. 

The  after-birth  soon  follows,  and  the  mother  has  before  her  now 
only  recuperation  and  convalescence. 

Great  care  and  caution  must  be  exercised  at  this  stage.  Perfect 
quiet  and  all  the  rest  obtainable  are  needed. 

The  husband  may  enter  the  room,  but  his  stay  should  be  short 
and  a  visit  of  sympathy  and  consolation  only. 

The  mother  must  make  no  exertion ;  must  talk  very  little,  and 
must  get  all  the  sleep  she  can. 

35 


The  doctor  must  have  absolute  control  of  the  lying-in  room,  and 
the  rules  laid  down  by  him  must  be  followed  to  the  letter. 

For  this  reason  it  is  very  often  advisable  to  allow  the  doctor  to 
secure  the  nurse,  that  perfect  harmony  and  understanding  may 
exist  between  them. 

I  remember  on  one  occasion,  in  the  third  year  of  my  practice, 
I  was  suddenly  called  in  a  confinement  case  that  had  been  in  the 
hands  of  a  celebrated  physician,  who  was  suddenly  stricken  with 
paralysis.  I  was  young  and  beardless,  and  the  nurse,  who  was  old 
and  experienced,  regarded  me  with  much  contempt. 

ISIy  orders  were  not  always  obeyed,  because,  as  she  said,  "Dr. 
Blank  never  did  it  that  way." 

She  annoyed  me  very  much,  and  on  the  third  day  I  was  obliged 
to  ask  for  her  dismissal. 

The  request  was  granted,  and  things  went  on  much  better. 

Later,  knowing  her  to  be  competent,  I  recommended  her  to 
one  of  my  own  patients,  and  she  was  one  of  the  most  tractable, 
obedient  and  willing  nurses  I  have  ever  known. 

A  few  hours  after  birth,  if  the  mother  feels  like  it,  the  child  may 
be  given  its  first  nursing,  and  if  the  supply  of  milk  be  ample,  there 
is  nothing  on  which  it  will  thrive  so  well  as  mother's  milk. 

CONCLUSION. 

Beyond  this  point  all  must  be  entrusted  to  the  physician  and  the 
nurse. 

Maternity  has  come  ! 

All  the  preparation  and  care  have  had  their  good  eftect,  and 
another  healthy  human  being  is  the  result. 

36 


By  the  exercise  of  care,  with  good  nursing,  proper  food,  plenty 
of  rest,  absolute  cleanliness  and  attention  to  all  the  little  details,  a 
slow,  sure  convalescence  will  be  insured  and  the  greatest  event  in 
a  woman's  life  becomes  a  matter  of  history. 

If  my  advice  and  counsel  will  help  one  woman  to  bring  into 
the  world,  with  more  ease,  a  healthier,  better  child,  I  will  be 
repaid. 

God  bless  our  mothers  ! 

THE    END. 


37 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 


0052829650 


DATE  DUE 

QFP  1 

1  looi 

•Ptu  1 

1    iTTi       J 

m  ^  c   rr. 

'7 

Demco,  Inc.  38-293 


y)\J\^       »"    f^ 


